Creating Memorable Program Fans For Your Wedding Day

Wedding program fans are a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your big day. They can be especially useful for outdoor weddings in hot weather, keeping your guests cool and informed. With a few basic supplies, you can easily make these fans yourself. This paragraph will guide you through the simple steps to create elegant and functional wedding program fans, from designing and printing to assembling the final product. So, whether you're looking to save money or add a unique DIY element to your wedding, making your own program fans is a great option!

Choose a paper type and weight

The paper type and weight you choose for your wedding fan programs will depend on whether you are printing single or double-sided, and whether you are printing at home or using a professional printing service.

For single-sided fan programs, it is recommended to use a professional printer and opt for paper that is at least 110lb in weight. This will ensure that the paper is thick and sturdy enough to be assembled into a fan.

If you are printing double-sided fan programs, 65lb-80lb paper is recommended, especially if you are using a home inkjet printer. This weight of paper is strong enough to hold its shape when assembled, but not too thick to run through your printer. If you are using a professional printing service, a 100-weight cardstock is a good option, and some printers will even score the paper for you to make it easier to fold.

Cardstock is a good choice of paper type for wedding fan programs as it is thicker than regular printer paper and will hold its shape better. However, if you are printing at home, be aware that cardstock can be more difficult to fold, especially if it is on the heavier side. A paper scoring board can be a useful tool to help you create a perfect fold without creasing or tearing the paper.

When choosing the paper weight and type for your wedding fan programs, consider the temperature of your wedding location. If it is an outdoor summer wedding, the fans will need to be sturdy enough to provide a cooling effect for your guests. Thicker paper, such as cardstock, will create a more durable fan, but thinner paper may be more cost-effective if you are making a large number of fans.

Print your design

Printing your design is a crucial step in making your own wedding program fans. You can create your design using a platform like Canva, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs, depending on your preference and skill level.

When creating your design, consider the information you want to include, such as the wedding party names, ceremony details, and messages to the guests. You can also get creative with fonts and clipart to make your design unique and elegant. Once you're happy with your design, it's time to print.

If you have a small number of fans to make, you can print your design at home on a regular printer. However, if you have a large quantity, it might be more convenient and efficient to have them printed at a local print shop or copy shop.

When choosing paper for your fans, select a thicker cardstock for a sturdier fan. A weight of 65-80 lb paper is recommended for two-sided fans, especially if you're using a home inkjet printer. For one-sided fans, it's best to order from a professional printer and opt for paper weighing at least 110 lb.

Additionally, consider the size of your paper. Standard 8.5" x 11" paper can be folded in half to create a 5.5" x 8.5" fan blade. You can also trim the paper to your desired size; for example, removing 1/2" from the tops and bottoms to create a more compact 5.5" x 7.5" fan.

Remember to print a test page first to ensure that your design is aligned correctly and that the colors are true and unlikely to smudge. This will help you avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure that your fans turn out perfectly.

Fold the paper

Folding the paper is a crucial step in making programme fans for a wedding. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you will need to fold the printed card stock in half. This creates the fan shape and ensures your design is visible on both sides of the fan. Using a paper scoring board or a bone folder can help you achieve a precise, neat fold. Line up the corners of the paper and use the scoring board or bone folder to create an indented straight line down the centre of the card stock, then fold along this line.

Next, you may wish to round the corners of the paper. This step is optional but can add a soft, elegant finish to your fans. Use a corner paper punch or corner rounder to create rounded edges. There are various options available, from simple rounded corners to more decorative designs.

If you are happy with sharp corners, you can skip this step and move straight to attaching the handle. However, if you do choose to round the corners, be cautious when using heavy card stock as some tools may struggle to cut through thicker paper. One source mentions that a regular corner rounder broke when attempting to cut through two sheets of heavy card stock.

Now your paper is ready to be transformed into a fan! If you wish to add any further decorations, such as ribbon or twine, it is generally easier to do so before attaching the handle.

Attach the handle

Attaching the handle is a crucial step in making your wedding fan programs. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you with this process:

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need your printed fan designs, fan handles, and double-sided tape. It is highly recommended to use permanent strong double-sided tape to avoid any mishaps. Glue is not advised, as it may leak through the cardstock and leave unsightly stains on your beautiful programs. Double-sided tape will ensure a neat and secure finish.

Now, prepare your fan design by folding it along the centre. Most designs will have a designated fold line, so ensure you fold it accurately. You can use a paper scoring board to help create a perfect fold. This tool will make a subtle indented line down the centre of your cardstock, making it easier to fold neatly.

Next, take your fan handle and place a suitable length of double-sided tape along it. The handle should be placed on the inside of the fan, along the fold line. Press firmly to ensure the handle is securely attached.

Once the handle is in place, close the fan by adhering the two sides of the folded cardstock together. Again, use small pieces of double-sided tape to join the sides. Be sure to press down firmly, creating a strong bond.

You can further secure the handle by adding a small piece of decorative ribbon or twine. This is an optional step, but it can add a nice finishing touch to your fan. Simply tie the ribbon or twine around the handle, and you're done!

By following these steps, you will have a neat and sturdy handle for your wedding fan programs. Remember to take your time and work carefully, especially when placing the tape, to avoid any mistakes. Happy crafting!

Embellish with ribbon or twine

Embellishing your wedding program fans with ribbon or twine is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. You can use ribbon or twine to decorate the fan handles, or to tie the fans together.

If you want to decorate the fan handles, cut a length of ribbon or twine and tie it around the handle, securing it with a knot or a bow. You can use any type of ribbon or twine that matches your wedding colour scheme or theme. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, you could use a natural-coloured twine to decorate the handles.

Alternatively, you can use ribbon or twine to tie the fans together. Cut a length of ribbon or twine and thread it through the middle of the fan, just below the handle. Then, tie the ribbon or twine in a knot or a bow to secure the fan closed. This is a great way to keep the fans together if you're transporting them to your wedding venue, and it also adds a decorative touch.

When choosing ribbon or twine for your wedding program fans, consider the colour, texture, and width of the material. You can find ribbon and twine in a variety of colours, including natural, gold, silver, and pink. The texture can also vary, with options like plain, striped, ruffled, or burlap. The width of the ribbon or twine will also affect the look of your fans, with thinner options creating a more delicate appearance and thicker options making a bolder statement.

Adding ribbon or twine to your wedding program fans is a simple way to customise them and make them feel more personal. Whether you use it to decorate the handles or to tie the fans together, it's sure to add a special touch to your wedding decor.

Frequently asked questions